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Beauty, brains and exceedingly good taste: the Lake District, Cumbria is the full package. Here we celebrate a living culture that incorporates the past but is rooted firmly in the present. Our history - ancient and more recent - is alive and well in the very Cumbrian landscape, but you can interpret it in our impressive collection of museums that tell Cumbria’s story - from prehistory right through to the modern age.
There’s an impressive list of radical thinkers and artistic pioneers who found inspiration here – William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, John Ruskin, Kurt Schwitters, Josefina de Vasconcellos and Andy Goldsworthy. You can walk in their footsteps, visit their homes and explore the rich creative life built on their exceptional heritage.
You can see and feel it within a few short miles: as well as museums and heritage centres there are scores of galleries, exhibitions and artists’ studios; there’s artworks in the mountains and forests; a packed, year-round programme of live theatre performances, independent cinemas and festivals celebrating all manner of creative endeavours, from music to local craft. And yes, we have lots of traditional performance venues, but there’s a particular thrill in attending a show on an outdoor stage in a spectacular setting.
Inspiration
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of…
With its beautiful, dramatic scenery and rich history it is easy to understand why people are drawn…
The loveliest spot that man hath ever found
Number of results: 46
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Keswick
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
Carlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
Penrith
Beautifully converted 17thC farm buildings. Gallery, vegetarian restaurant, gift shop and 128 seat puppet theatre.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Kendal
Every July and August the finest musicians head to the serene lake District for a summer festival like no other. From string quartets to jazz and baroque specialists to world music, there’s an incredible selection to choose from.
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
ULVERSTON
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy, Community, Talks and Dance all year round in Ulverston, Cumbria at the edge of the Lake District.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Penrith
There’s nowhere quite like Rheged, where the arts meet good food, family and fun under a green grass roof. It’s where we share every aspect of what we love about our place.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Our unconventional Japanese Robata cooking with Korean flavours and Pacific Rim influences makes Baha the perfect destination to enjoy a unique food experience.
Kendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic…
Kewick
Friendly, contemporary Keswick-based art gallery in the heart of the Northern Lake District National Park, representing over 80 artists.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Ambleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
Kendal
Mike Healey's exciting new exhibition contains over forty exhibits and will bring a splash of colour and some surreal 'jeopardy' to Kendal and beyond. Surrealism is indeed 'alive and well' - here in Kendal!
Hawkshead
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to sculpture in the forest. The Visitor Centre includes the Forest Shop, Cafe in the Forest and shop.
Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
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